The Better Care Network
Facilitating global exchange around children without adequate family care.
Promoting appropriate responses.
www.bettercarenetwork.org
Background
The Better Care Network (BCN) Secretariat was formed in 2005 in recognition of the growing numbers of children orphaned and made vulnerable around the world. BCN is located at UNICEF in New York City. It maintains an active website and information exchange where you can find over 500 resources on the topic of caring for orphans and vulnerable children and it facilitates a bi-monthly listserv with notification of conferences, resources and job opportunities. The Better Care Network is guided by the UNCRC and the Stockholm Declaration. Members include a Steering Committee comprised of USAID, UNICEF, CARE, Firelight Foundation, Bernard Van Leer Foundation, Save the Children UK, an advisory group of over 40 child protection and welfare specialists from around the world, and the core working group of the Faith to Action Initiative.
Mission
In order to achieve better care standards around, and alternatives to, institutional or orphanage care, the Better Care Network brings together organizations and individuals concerned about children without adequate family care. It is committed to:
- Reducing separation and abandonment of children.
- Reuniting children outside of family care with their families, wherever possible and appropriate.
- Increasing, strengthening and supporting family and community based care options for children who cannot be cared for by their parents.
- Establishing international and national standards for all forms of care for children without adequate family care and mechanisms for compliance.
- Ensuring that residential institutions are used in a very limited manner and only when appropriate.
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